Where Do Our Constitutional Rights End?

As the conversation continues that the current administration is anti-Constitutional, we should take a look at a number of "items" that have been in place long before anyone outside of Chicago heard of Barack Obama.  I do not agree with his politics and I do find him to be very arrogantly disrespectful of our American freedoms, but there are so many other "Bills of Rights" that we have "gone along with" already in place.  Wikipedia, in my opinion, is not the final authority on these topics, I simply used the site as a common source to verify the existence of a number of declarations.  Technically, the Constitution doesn't protect the rights of citizens.  The Constitution protects the sovereignty of the United States of America.  The Bill of Rights protects the citizens, and we've allowed many other bills of rights to potentially usurp the authority of the Official Bill of Rights.

Thankfully, most of these declarations are not federal law and are presented to benefit those mentioned in the title, but there is a back door of control in some of these that actually rob an individual of their Constitutional Bill of Rights in lieu of these institutional documents.  For example, the "Patients Bill of Rights" has in reality overridden a patient's own decision regarding their health care and more than once has actually taken the rights of a patient "for their own good," or that of a child's regarding their parents rights.  Many facilities present their incoming patients with a "Bill of Rights" only to later usurp that individual's Constitutional Bill of Rights.  One of the best examples I can offer are the recent headlines involving parents of newborns who do not wish to vaccinate or at least not immediately.  More than one young mother has been sent off of a health care campus without her new baby, after child protection services have received reports from various health professionals.  I have for years, unashamedly referred to hospitals and healthcare facilities as "Sanctuaries of Sorcery."

As I read about the "Student Bill of Rights," it becomes painfully obvious that the decision to make this document powerful lies in the hands of those who draft it, but ultimately, government can enforce the document as the "will of the people" involved.  The legal enforceability of the Student Bill of Rights is quite murky, but in statements regarding parental questions and rights, institutions of education have more than once declared that a child does not have Constitutional rights in that facility.

I stumbled across the "Homeless Bill of Rights" which is genuine legislation in some states, with several more giving it consideration.  It seems in many of these cases, if our own government had not passed legislation to deregulate banking, many American citizens would not be homeless.  Being homeless should not require special regulation in America.  Being homeless should not be a reason to be abused by local authority.  There is no reason losing one's home should cause that same individual to lose the right to be treated as an American citizen with the Bill of Rights intact.

The "Consumer Bill of Rights" is law and has been for over 50 years.  The article in Wikipedia states the Consumer Bill of Rights has since been adopted by the UN in 1985 and expanded, with some rather ominous overtones of a controlling takeover of rights.  I included the following from the article.
In 1985, the concept of consumer rights was endorsed by the United Nations through the United Nations Guidelines for Consumer Protection, which expands them to include eight basic rights.

The right to satisfaction of basic needs[edit]
The right to redress[edit]
The right to consumer education[edit]
The right to a healthy environment[edit]

This right demands that people have access to basic, essential goods and services: adequate food, clothing, shelter, health care, education, public utilities, water, and sanitation

The right to redress provides for consumers to receive a fair settlement of just claims, including compensation for misrepresentation, shoddy goods, or unsatisfactory services. For example, a consumer should be able to go to consumer court against mobile phone companies that put hidden charges on the bill that were not previously explained, or activate ringtones without the consumer's permission.

The right to consumer education states that consumers should be able to acquire knowledge and skills needed to make informed, confident choices about goods and services, while being aware of basic consumer rights and responsibilities and how to act on them.

This is the right to live and work in an environment that is non-threatening to the well-being of present and future generations.

We know that members of the military, while serving, do not have the same rights they are protecting.  Since there is presently no draft, a person has a choice as to whether or not they participate, and since I haven't, I can't really offer a perspective.   

We know when law enforcement reads the Miranda Warning, one's "rights" have become absolutely minimal, as to remaining silent and calling an attorney.   This brings to mind the rights of travelers now with the TSA.  We all have the right to be offended at "virtual strip searches," groping, and the assumption that we guilty until proven innocent.

Prisoners, of course, lose rights when found guilty of a crime, but the fact that America has the largest prison population in the world does have the attention of the UN, which has it's own "Prisoner Bill of Rights."  There is a degree of overlap between the prison system and the mental health system, in that often the prisoner/patient does have issues that must be addressed by both systems.  Those forced into mental health care, frequently have fewer rights than those in the prison system and forced mental health care does not have a date of completion as does the legal sentencing structure of the prison system. 

Throughout this millennium, we have observed a number of ways both administrations of the 21st Century have found around the 2nd Amendment.  There is no need to confiscate guns, when bullets and ammo can simply be made unavailable.  I remember back in 2005, looking at a gun for home meat processing.  The inventory of guns was vast, the availability of bullets was interestingly in short supply for the more popular models of guns . . . Now, the current administration simply chooses to enforce limits on certain ammunition and some ammunition may just become unavailable for purchase.   

Net Neutrality, the latest form of faux protection we've been handed will certainly not ensure this internet journalist to have the same opportunities as Rupert Murdoch.  Historically speaking, there is little evidence that government legislation levels the playing field, except to lower the level of the "playing field" for the majority.  I'm already discerning the loss of free speech over net neutrality, and probably much more than that before it's all said and done.

I'm seeing a distinct correlation to what is happening with all these so called "Bills of Rights" and the following Torah passage.

But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of YHWH thy G-d, to observe to do all His commandments and His statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee:  Torah of Holy Scripture

GPS- Global Public Square

Recently I had the opportunity to view a Sunday morning talk show.  Without a television, I believe I stay pretty well informed through internet articles.  I prefer to read my information, rather than watch it, and I have no appreciation for pharmaceutical advertisements, but this interview caught my attention.  Bill and Melinda Gates were guests on GPS.

Although the interview was promoted to focus on the rate of advancement of technology, the small portion of the interview I saw leaned more toward their foundation efforts.   Bill and Melinda Gates tie education with income, progress, and advancement.  I think learning is essential to living, but in this country much of our education system amounts to programming and Bill Gates is the perfect example for the success of dropping out before the programming got him . . .

This thought of course, took on a life of it's own in my head, as I contemplated the fact that most of the early successful entrepreneurs that really changed the world were not highly educated, but they were avid readers.  Many of the great composers were not men of higher education, either.  Although Mr. Gates attended Harvard, and I went to community college, I'm guessing we probably have about the same number of credits . . . As I considered my own life's work, I realized most of the knowledge I rely upon was gained by independent study.

In reading about Bill Gates at Wikipedia, something definitely stood out about this genius.  He was born into financial comfort, which may have afforded him the opportunity and luxury to avoid public high school.  At the age of 13 he enrolled and attended an exclusive preparatory school instead.  He was allowed and encouraged to follow his natural curiosity and develop skills based upon the talent given to him by our Creator.  He was even excused from math class and allowed to pursue his interest on the Teletype model 33 with a block of GE time.

Although he and Melinda made their pitch for education, he is "the proof in the pudding" that we should actually learn the basic reading, writing, and 'rithemtic, then move toward perfecting our talents.  Until public education became a controlling business of the last century, students were not mass programmed.  Abraham Lincoln studied law on his own.  In America, even doctors were trained as apprentices, rather than "schooled" until the 19th century.  People pursued knowledge in the areas of their talents and interests, rather than paying for a piece of paper and a license or certification to "make money."

One fact in the article really leapt out at me that I mentioned in a previous paragraph.  He was excused from math class to pursue his interest in technology.  I don't believe money is the sign of success, but I do believe Mr. Gates had gained enough math knowledge by 13 to now be able to count his millions to a billion, plus.  The more I read about him, the more I believe he would not be who he is today, had he followed the crowd in pursuit of a college degree.

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says YHWH . . .  Prophet of Holy Scripture

Vaccinations and LGBT

No, I do not believe one causes the other, but the two subjects seem to be capturing most of the headlines.  It's beginning to feel like those of us who believe Scripture is clear regarding the topics of sexuality and health, could quickly become the "social nemeses" of our day.  The Revelation seems to lump illicit sexuality and pharmaceuticals in the same group.  Some will say, since the government has now ruled that homosexual marriage is Constitutional, it is no longer illicit.  Constitutional or not, that doesn't make it Biblical!  As for pharmaceuticals, that frontline battle has been a lonely one for those of us who believe it violates our faith.  So, let's chat about this, shall we?

How did humanity exist for thousands of years before vaccinations and prior to gender labels moving beyond the binary system?  To avoid confusion, I'll address the gender issues first, then move on to vaccinations.  I'm mathematical, and for the most part gender determination has been a binary recognition at birth, not "assigned."  Since the dawn of creation, there have been two genders, male and female.  Gender or sex was not assigned at birth, and certainly not for later reassignment!  Gender or sex was recognized, identified, and proclaimed at birth, as in "it's a boy" or "it's a girl."  With that proclamation, came blue or pink booties and life moved on from there!

Obviously there has been temptation in regard to same sex relations since before Torah was given at Sinai.  The account of Lot indicates homosexuality was a factor in the night of the heavenly visitors.  I'm not saying that was the only factor in the fire and brimstone falling, but Lot had two sons in law while the daughters were specifically stated to be virgins.  There'd have been no reason to give the commandment, if there were no issue of temptation in that area.  Actually, there are a number of commandments regarding our sexuality, so we humans do appear to have a tendency to want to engage in, and excuse a great deal!  Not only do we humans have an appetite for forbidden fruit, most seem to be be drawn to varying disregard of the Instructions when it comes to sexuality, as well.

When it comes to the rising numbers in the LGBT agenda . . . Is it the programming?  Is it the growth hormones in the meat?  Is it GMO or all the soy in the diet?   Now, it seems in order to understand sexuality in our society, a syllabus and glossary are required.  The only folks who seem to be able to openly refer to just two sexes or genders are the bisexuals!  When heterosexuals refer to just male and female without the ever growing compendium of labels, it's termed hate speech or homophobic.  Now, as for vaccinations . . .

If all these diseases were truly eradicated in this country by the end of last century, the low percentage of non-vaccinating American parents are probably not the problem.  Perhaps we should take a closer look at the health of illegal immigrants and our refugee policies.  As for illegal immigrants, I'm sure many of them can be found in local ERs and county assistance offices.  When we consider that this outbreak of measles seems to have originated in California, it doesn't seem out of the realm of possibilities that lax border policies could be a contributing factor.  We'd not have to worry about refugee policies if we'd quit starting wars.

Statistics indicate most of these diseases were already on the decline before the vaccinations were introduced.  The timing of the vaccination outrage raises a red flag for me, in that mandatory health insurance is now officially in place and the IRS is in charge of the data.  Calling 114 cases of measles an epidemic seems a bit over the top when our society has so many other ills numbering into the thousands and upwards.   It doesn't take much ink to connect the dots between mandated health insurance, the hot button campaign issue of vaccinations, and further invasion into the private home and family.

I don't mean to sound insensitive, but the two issues of anti-vaccination and LGBT, reportedly affect a very small percentage of our population.  There is only one state that reports more than 6% of children are unvaccinated for nonmedical reasons.  Most states report fewer than 3% of the children are unvaccinated.  By that same token regarding the LGBT community, according to NHIS, 96.6% of Americans identify as straight.  Why are so many headlines devoted to issues of such a small percentage of our population? Brian Williams strange version of fabricated journalism has taken third place in headlines, which again raises that old question in my mind.  While the entire nation is cussing and discussing these issues, what's really going on?  It would appear we are open to everything except the Truth of our Creator.

Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse; A blessing, if ye obey the commandments of YHWH your G-d, which I command you this day:   And a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of YHWH your G-d, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day, to go after other gods, which ye have not known.  Torah of Holy Scripture 

Are Our Values Reflected in Our Media Interest?

This week in the news are two very unsettling reports, presented in extreme bias that I find accurately portrays the true condition of our society.  Two extreme examples of the LGBT Agenda crossed my newsfeed this week, and I hope there is still enough freedom for this article to adequately express this parallel perspective.

I began following the case of "Sweetcakes by Melissa" back when this family owned bakery was first viciously targeted by the LGBT Community with media hype that fueled the aggression.  Melissa Klein is an artist!  Because she uses buttercream and fondant rather than oils and watercolors, doesn't make her any less of a creative artist who should be able to express her art in the same freedom, any other artist enjoys.  As I listened to how she works to create the perfect wedding cake for each couple, there is no doubt, she's an artist of great talent who has been attacked.  Her website holds the tagline, "It's not just cake, it's dessert!"  As a cake lover visiting her site, I can enthusiastically declare, "It's not just cake, it's edible art!"

An artist like Andres Serrano who also doesn't use traditional mediums of paints or chalks, is defended in the "name of artistic freedom."  Melissa Klein deserves the same recognition and protection under our Bill of Rights.  Andres Serrano is only an example of the way our system works.  He is not the other topic of this article; Bruce Jenner is.

When I first saw the Kardashian-Jenner drama building, I truly thought it might be a publicity stunt to boost ratings.  Until 2012, I hadn't heard the Kardashian name since the O.J. trial.  When my daughter and her husband were supposedly coming on board in this homesteading project, she lamented that she wasn't sure she could give up her television and stop "Keeping up with the Kardashians."  She then proceeded to explain that the 1976 gold medal Olympian was part of that reality show.  Since I don't really keep up on folks who are famous for being famous, I just thought their reality show had probably run it's course, and then some . . . but as the news continues, Bruce, at 65, is ready to share the secret he's carried for so many years . . . while fathering six children.

The fact that he is celebrated and lauded as bold, while a mother of five is persecuted and fined speaks volumes about our nation.  I'm not going to give his decision much time and attention, although I do find his obsession, pitiable; and even sadder, the media's obsession to make this some sort of decision to be celebrated.  Also weighing on this was Zoey Tur, formerly, the ruggedly handsome "Chopper Bob" who reported from the helicopter, the OJ "chase" in 1994.  He's now had his "gender reassignment" surgery.  At 54 or 65 years old, is it really so important to change one's non-functional reproductive anatomy?  As a woman, I can tell you, men generally age better than women.  Truly beautiful women do pass their prime, as a rule.  A man choosing to become a middle aged woman is not going to be pretty.  Bruce Jenner is billed as a motivational speaker.  How does one encourage others when they cannot come to terms with their own form in the mirror?

As I watched the video in which Melissa Klein described the way she created wedding cakes and the passion in which she expresses her art, then compare that to a dissatisfied aging athlete, America truly has developed a strange standard in what is appreciated.  In a Google search, nearly all of the articles about Melissa Klein included the term "anti-gay" portraying this amazingly gifted artist to be the villain rather than the victim of a bullying agenda.  Meanwhile, the articles about Mr. Jenner are very supportive in that everyone is so happy that Bruce can be "true to himself."  Whether this is a Kardashian publicity stunt for a new "reality season," a cry for attention from an aging drama queen, or Mr. Jenner is actually preparing to become a eunuch, the media coverage and public interest has been phenomenal.  I find it sad that America now applauds this drama, while dishonoring someone standing for their values.

Haven't we always been led to believe it is a barbaric society that would exalt genital mutilation over creative expression?

 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!  

* Sadly, Mr. Jenner has made the headlines once again having been in an auto accident.  Seven people were injured, some taken to a nearby hospital and Kim Howe, 69, lost her life in that horrific accident.

We've Been Played

This past week marked the tenth anniversary of this blog.  In ten years, although there have been many changes, some things have remained consistent.  This blog continues to be about politics and religion.  The politics of this country continue to be a source of division, and the only unity in religious direction of this country seems to be the direction away from our Creator.

I had a "light bulb moment" this week regarding our political parties.  Both parties have a targeted audience to which they appeal and a targeted audience on which they cast blame.  That seems obvious, of course, but I've discovered the underlying foundation in which the candidates of both parties play the people.  There are a few simple facts that we all know.  The population of inner cities tend to be primarily black, poor, and democrat.  The population of rural America tends to be primarily white, often bigoted, and republican.  Both stereotypes are not always true, but the generalization is all the political folks need to keep the wheels turning.  So, we've got the foundation for the racial division that makes headlines.

The next obvious division is between business owners and the "working class" formerly known as employees.  Business owners used to be part of the working middle class!  Some still are, but they are becoming few in number.  What has served to divide the inner city and sparsely populated rural America is now used to divide suburbs and mainstreet America.  The real difference in this, is a mindset that the politicians play on.  Politicians are powerful employees that want to not only maintain their benefits package, but to increase it at the employers expense, a.k.a.  "we the people."  What used to be business men and farmers taking a few years to serve in Washington and going back to their businesses, land, and facing their constituents has turned into career politicians, and they have virtually no sense of business, production, or economics.

There is a different mindset to get up knowing there is no time clock and no hourly wage or salary.  Self-employment has to produce a finished product.  There is no A for effort.  There is F, not only for fail, but also for incomplete!  Business owners take risks, hourly workers can't imagine, or aren't willing to take.  On the other hand, good employees are essential to a business.  There used to be a real security in being a good employee, on  someone else's clock, but that security no longer exists.  Business owners, on start up, put in hours that cannot be compensated for, on an hourly scale.  Business owners do not start their business with six and seven digit salaries.  There are also many hard working people who are underpaid, but for the most part, those workers are in health care and child care, not factories or technical trade.  There are many employees who make far from minimum wage, without the headaches of business ownership or management.

Now, what the politicians do; is get  these two groups all fired up based upon the extreme foundation already established.  The democrats are told if they are not making what the boss is making, they are being oppressed by rich republicans.  The republicans are told democrats want to live off their hard work and take their savings and businesses.  The reality is, the political machine is regulating businesses into bankruptcy and insolvency, while creating higher costs for what's left of the middle class and the underemployed.  They do all this while blaming partisan politics for no job creation.   Entrepreneurs create jobs, when they are not regulated into forfeiture.  Skilled labor is the backbone of the economy, but skilled labor is only needed when the population needs what skilled labor produces.  There is not a business in the world that can exist, only to pay employees and provide benefits.  The only entity that does that is our government . . .

What our political process has done is create a symbiotic "imbalance" placing the burden of taxation without the tax breaks of the wealthy or tax credits of the poor, on the dramatically reduced population of what's left of the middle class.  Much of the middle class that produced a strong economy was comprised of independent business owners and family companies.  This single move that began noticeably in the early 80s has culminated now to the point, Americans literally loathe the "other party" and blame each other economically.  Sadly, our leaders knew the root to plant and cultivate, that would divide the people.  Even sadder, we have been willing participants.  Well played Washington, well played.

For the love of money is the root of all evil . . .



  

Those Excluded from COEXIST

The very idea of this cleverly designed logo is preposterous.  Sadly, it will come to fruition as the one world religion, but it will be oh so very wrong.

Here's the rundown of the letters.  Every letter has a symbol that represents a system of thought: The crescent and star for Islam; the pentagram for Wicca; the relativity formula for science; the star of David for Judaism; the Karma Wheel dotting the i for Buddhism; the Tao symbol for Taoism; the cross for Chrisitianity. 

Here is a slightly more detailed explanation:  

C - The C is Coexist is represented by the crescent moon and star symbol represents Diana a Greek Moon Goddess of ancient times and the worship of sun, moon and sky gods. The crescent moon and star on the sticker is often used to represent Islam. However, the same symbols were used thousands of years before ever being associated with Islam. 

O - The O in Coexist is represented by the internationally recognized peace sign. The peace sign was originally designed for the British nuclear disarmament by Gerald Holtom.
E - The E in Coexist is represented by combining the male and female symbols showing equality and peace between the male and female sexes. The male symbol also known as the Mars symbol is a circle with an arrow coming from it pointing in the upper right direction. The female symbol also known as the Venus symbol is a circle with a cross below it. 
X - The X in Coexist is represented by the Jewish Star of David which is also known as the Shield of David. The Star of David is in a shape of a hexagram, which is made up of two equilateral triangles.
I - The I in Coexist is represented by a Pagan or Wiccan Pentacle atop the letter I. A Pentacle is a five-pointed star within a circle. This symbol is used to represent one as a Pagan or Wiccan. The upward top point of the star represents the spirit. The other four points all represent an element. The four elements are earth, air, fire and water. 
S - The S in Coexist is represented by a Taoist Yin Yang also known as a Taijitu. Yin and Yang represents two opposite but complementary forces found in nature. Yin is often recognized with shade, darkness and femininity. Yang is often recognized with light and masculinity.
T - The T in Coexist is represented by a Christian Cross. The Christian Cross is associated with Christianity and the crucifixion of Jesus. 

There is no symbol or definition for those who believe the entire Word of YHWH.  The enemy will delight in this one world religion while Revelation 12:17 identifies those who will not be counted in the unified number of COEXIST.  

And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of YHWH, and have the testimony of Y'hshuwah Messiah.

The Written Word

As this blog approaches it's 10th anniversary, I'd like to think I've become more aware and astute, while hopefully having become more articulate.  With digital history and revision, as well as the continuing effort to discount various versions of Scripture, the "information" highway and the highway to hell, may be one in the same.  Now, let me put this into context, please.  Through my years on the internet, I've watched much of history be retold, and along with that, I've watched much of the printed news go by the wayside.  Printed newspapers are becoming almost scarce.  The printed edition of the Encyclopedia Britannica hit the dustbins of history in 2012.  Many news magazines are only available in digital form.

Sadly, the rag mags continue to be printed, and it seems at the grocery store check out, the number of celebrity magazines may have actually increased.  With cable and reality TV, not to mention computers, iphones, etc. much of our time is now spent staring at screens.  My reading posture has changed dramatically since I began using the internet in 2001.  There is something about the digital interactivity that has changed my brain.  I was still an avid bed and sofa reader, when I had my word processor.  Now, I have to be sitting at a table or set myself up a reading station to ingest my paper reading material, properly.  Others have made similar comments regarding their reading comprehension between digital and paper sources.

I still like my books, but I've developed what I consider to be a real need to have books.  I feel it is almost a duty to maintain information in printed form.  As the world is changing and a new order is coming into place, we already know the reality for each generation changes.  My grandparents grew up in homes that had a Bible, books and a radio.  My parents grew up in homes that had their own Bibles, books, a radio, a telephone, and they remember when the television was added.  I grew up with all of that, plus a home stereo, my own Bible, but our home had more than one translation of the Bible.  Bible understanding wasn't big, but Bible ownership was paramount!

The main advancement of technology that I recall, in my youth, was the addition of more than one telephone in the house.  I still remember the various sets of book collections and encyclopedias throughout the house.  There were two or three sets that had come from the grocery store, one book at a time.  One set in my room, one in my sister's, and I think the old set of "all about the states" had found it's way to the basement bookshelves.   The bookcase in the formal living room held the valuable books.  That bookcase held the set of Childcraft books and The World Book Encyclopedia, with annuals.

My kids grew up with everything I had, but the emphasis on the Bible was sadly, less.  We had encyclopedias and my girls were avid readers, but the technology was increasing.  There were push button phones in every room, their own stereos in their rooms, more than one television in the house, and a microwave.  It seems as technology has increased, true lasting knowledge is decreasing.  

My parents are still young, relatively speaking, but they are "getting their affairs in order."  When my mom called to discuss this fact, she asked me what I wanted.  As I thought of the rooms filled with furniture and stuff, and I do mean filled, all I mentioned was the set of encyclopedias.  As history is recorded and information exchanged digitally, it is my privilege and my duty to maintain the written word for the next generation.  As we revise history and fail to learn from it, we are doomed to repeat it.

 So all Israel were reckoned by genealogies; and, behold, they were written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah, who were carried away to Babylon for their transgression.  Chronicles of Holy Scripture  

Technological Purgatory

There is a "spirit" over this country that seems to be covering nearly every aspect of our interaction.  In using the term "spirit" I am in no way giving an excuse to the behavior we choose to demonstrate, nor the words that fly out of our mouths.  What I am saying is, America had the world wide reputation of being rude, years ago.  Now we've gone beyond rude, to aggressive and argumentative!  There have been a number of situations in the past week, I find myself "not fit for polite society," then discover our society is far from polite.  Anger management has been an issue for several years now!  I don't want to interact on a level that feels like it's dropped the standard.  Technology is adding to this aggression, I believe, as well as to difficulties in our ability to focus and possibly a host of other emotional imbalance.

Usually, I'm pretty calm in person, until I've had more than enough.  My kids and grandkids say I'm, "patient, patient, patient, patient . . . DONE!"  I've gotten better about not always telling someone what I think and simply finding true peace in letting them have the last word.  I'm sure it could be labeled as some sort of convoluted control game of a free spirit, but so be it.  I'm at peace with it, and I feel if I didn't initiate the interaction, I am free to discontinue my participation.  Somehow the Scriptural passage in Proverbs warning about answering a fool according to their folly . . .really resonates in my spirit, to just be quiet.  Not every person who disagrees with me is a fool, but I would really like to avoid making a fool of myself when the disagreement will obviously remain unresolved at the time.  I realize this is beginning to sound more like a sermon than a state of our nation observation.  The title of this article does give warning of religious overtones.

As technology increases, the "human experience," of course, is decreasing, and with that decrease is the decline of etiquette.  Social media is filled with memes and images depicting groups of people in the same room, obliviously looking at their phones.  Although I don't have a smart phone or even a cell phone for that matter, I do spend a great deal of my day in front of this screen writing, posting, and answering questions.  I have realized, although; I have made some genuine friendships and relationships, I enjoy the fact that I don't carry the internet with me.  I remember when I noticed one of my daughters and grandkids focus on their phones and texts.  It seemed their apps were more important than personal interaction.  As it turns out, they do have personal interactive social lives; it was just their way of letting me know where I stood.  Technology is still neither good nor bad in and of itself, but rather only reflects the user.

I had a wake up call the other day, or I should say I made a wake up call.  When I came online in August of 2001, my first ministry website was through yahoo.  As I gained my footing online and expanded the size of the website, I stayed with yahoo.  The first website was very simple, just a few pages with which I had help so it didn't require much tech support.  In preparing to move and change my information, wires were crossed and the website was eliminated.  I remember that moment the technician told me he could wipe out my site as soon as the call ended.  That was back in 2004 or 5, with day shift personnel.  Upon relocating, I continued with yahoo, as I understood their sitebuilder and a couple of the people on the night shift were awesome tech support.  I still remember Charles and Angela, fondly with much gratitude.  They could walk me through any technical question I had or dig me out of any disaster I'd made.  Sadly, I haven't spoken with Charles or Angela in many moons.

In my continuing patronage of yahoo, I apparently missed a memo . . .  I'm working on moving my domains to GoDaddy while maintaining my webhosting at yahoo.  Thinking I had deactivated my card that yahoo could "automatically hit," I had planned to move the domains when they neared expiration.  On my screen, my yahoo wallet showed my method of payment had expired.  However, much to my surprise; I soon discovered that was not the case on yahoo's side of the screen.  I called, had my incident number, etc. and the voice on the other end in billing sounded strangely similar to the last voice I'd heard in tech support when my page wouldn't publish.  It took awhile to put the pieces together, and sadly, my reaction to yahoo purgatory was less than exemplary.  I thought I was prayed up enough, but as it turns out, I can be pretty obnoxious without coarse language or yelling.

The prompts seem to be just a technological stall.  I've decided it's probably been researched and found to be similar to the techniques of "mental breaking down" used in other areas of our society.  The method of "hurry up and wait" is a phrase credited to the military, but also very clearly seen now in health care as well.  Who is ever seen by the doctor at scheduled time of the appointment?  Unlike the military where there is a pecking order, and unlike health care where one can simply get up and leave the over crowded waiting room, there is no resolution in tech support and auto pay.  All we can do is pray before making the call; stay on the line, follow the prompts, breathe deeply, and practice anger management.  

He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.  a Proverb of Holy Scripture

Quite the Quandry . . .

US Representative, Michael Grimm has reportedly made a plea deal to charges of tax evasion and hiring illegal workers.  

Although the sentencing has not yet taken place, according to SI Live  "Michael Grimm faces up to three years in prison."  

SI Live also states, while his future is in question:  "But a few things are clear: He will be disbarred due to the felony, as a guilty plea is equal to a conviction, and he is not eligible for a pension from Congress."

What I find strange is the fact that although he is resigning his seat in Congress, there is no law stating he must do so.   Each state makes laws as to who can run for elected office, but there is no federal law prohibiting felons from serving in Congress.  Interestingly there are federal laws determining which citizens can enjoy their Bill of Rights before and after a felony conviction.  

In many cities, a permit is now required to legally assemble, and there is a "protest box" for those who choose to exercise their right of free speech, if they so choose to publicly and peacefully stand in disagreement.   One does not even have to be a felon to have lost their 4th amendment right regarding illegal search and seizure . . .  

According to my research, gun ownership is off the table for anyone convicted of a felony punishable by at least one year in prison.  States can choose to restore civil rights, but according to federal law, a person who has committed a felony cannot own a gun without full restoration of rights and the conviction expunged. 

In many states felons can't vote, and federal law prohibits gun ownership, but they can serve in Congress.  One can also admit the commission of a felony, and be elected to the Highest Office in the land, according to "Dreams From My Father."   

It would seem as long as an individual isn't caught and charges are not pressed, the lack of integrity to respect the law is irrelevant.  

While there's nothing in the Constitution or House Rules barring felons from serving in Congress, the situation created an unwanted headache and negative attention for Boehner as he seeks to head into the new Congress starting with a clean slate.  
Included in the link below is a map.
http://blogs.kqed.org/lowdown/2014/02/26/felon-voting

When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.  a Proverb of Holy Scripture

The Point Has Been Long Lost

For some time now, we've seen our local police go from "protect and serve" to "enforce and subdue" in many situations that have raised ire and question.  We've watched a number of high ranking military officials be "retired" early, and we have an administration that simply does what it wants, without question.  Doctors and social services have taken a number of parental rights, as has the public school system.   In all of the power grabbing of the past 50 years, yes 50, not just the last six or the previous 8, depending upon which side of the aisle you lean . . . We have allowed ourselves to be divided politically, religiously, racially, while not realizing "we" are all in the same boat.  We have been groomed to have a "Them and Us" mentality on nearly every level and sadly; to either fear or hate "them."

This truly is on every level in our country.  It used to only be politically obvious through the campaign season, but now the name calling and the "hating on" is relentless and is the ongoing focus of headlines, talk radio, and social media.  American politics tends to be divided by religious differences which are only fueled by every headline.

I find the latest racial division to be quite alarming on many levels.  The reality is, we did have a division between police and public long before Ferguson and it's been lost in the race baiting.  I still remember back in 2000, the chief of police explaining to me about the "blue line."  He was explaining to me how a chaplain serving without pay, would have to earn the trust of the force, blah, blah, blah . . .That's not saying every cop is bad, but if a middle aged lady preacher was suspect, obviously; most every cop sees the citizens as "them."  This was before 9/11.

Right and wrong are continuously being redefined by society.  Headlines are often misleading, only serving to stir the pot, which seems to be just below the boiling point, at a constant 210°.  We've lost the calm in our society and seem to simply exist between violence and crises.  The citizens, in general, are being systematically divided!  Racial and religious profiling is coming and sadly the line in the sand between the citizens will be drawn between friends and family.

I ran for a county office in 2000.  As it turns out, I was not well connected enough to win the election and the one who did win, later resigned in the shame of embezzlement . . . yet my own mother said she would not have voted for me, as I was not in "her party."  President Obama is certainly not helping the political, religious, or racial division, and he even seems to be intensifying it, but he didn't start it.  The path(s) toward division have been being entrenched in our society for years.  We are on the brink of social collapse and a political party is not the answer, a ruthless religion is not the solution, and division based upon the color of skin is an outrage!

We must stop looking at each other to affix blame and realize, we are being divided to be conquered . . .
The maxim divide et impera was attributed to Philip II of Macedon, and together with the maxim divide ut regnes were utilised by the Roman ruler Caesar and the French emperor Napoleon.

 It's going to get worse before it gets better.  When it comes down to it, skin color makes no difference, and our politics won't save us.  There is only one solution and is NOT the alternative solution to division!

Come now, let us reason together, says YHWH . . . Prophet of Holy Scripture

For a Cause

Have you noticed how many "causes" there are and the various recommendations of activities or "badges" to display our support of these causes?

The variety of ways to demonstrate support certainly run the gambit from sending money to throwing buckets of ice water, to wearing ribbons to marches, to going braless or growing a beard.  The last two are obviously gender exclusive, well somewhat . . .  Even in all the variety, however; the way to show support is modeled in uniformity, depending upon the cause.  It seems most every cause will accept monetary donations and volunteers, so that's a consistency amongst causes, but then the changes come.

photo by nbcnews

The ALS challenge involved being doused in ice water.  Fortunately that was through a warmer month.  I don't have the stats as to how much money was actually raised.  I certainly am clueless as to how much actually went to research or to assist those suffering from the disease, after administrative costs.


No Shave November is a fairly recent "cause," founded in 2009.  It's an online not for profit to raise cancer awareness and of course, funds.  In the beginning, the goal was to help cancer patients and their families in their struggle of treatments, etc.  In 2013 this organization partnered with The American Cancer Society, so the funds that are now raised are allocated according to the larger organization . . .  There is an underlying message in cancer treatment, however; against natural treatment.  If a person submits to surgery and chemo, but still dies, and they do . . . they did all they could.  If a person utilizes only natural remedies, and they live, it's barely documented, if at all, and if they die, natural cures are to blame.  Then there are those who try to utilize a complimentary plan between natural and mainstream medicine.  In the case of death, natural remedies are blamed.

October was breast cancer awareness month, and the pink ribbons were everywhere.  There is one day that is designated to go braless for this cause.  I don't participate in that, as it seems to sexualize a very serious problem, as well as centering around conventional treatment, which is no cure.  Cancer is a huge problem in this country, and I don't believe it has much to do with the various parts of anatomy that are attacked.  Fund raising for research, in my opinion, needs to be directed differently.  In all the years of The American Cancer Society fundraising and research still revolves around mainstream medicine and big pharma.  If as much time and energy were spent to actually address the underlying cause of this deadly disease and natural treatment options, I believe we'd see a cure.  Which brings me to the next cause.

The March Against Monsanto could be one of my "pet causes" if the official marches did not take place on Shabbat.  Monsanto isn't going away, anytime soon.  Between the Lobby and the Supreme Court, this business is well covered.  As genetic engineering continues to gain ground, the destruction of creation has become a runaway train.  We certainly don't read about any big operators being raided, just the organic homesteaders.  There is one basic component missing in the March Against Monsanto, however; in this cause.  Marching against Monsanto doesn't put good food on the table.  Returning to our "roots" as an agrarian society is what it's really going to take to defeat Monsanto and other companies like it.  As long as our dependency for food continues, the companies holding the control of the seeds will continue to grow.

There are different color ribbons for every cause, it seems.  To be honest, the ribbons bring to my mind; the colored stars and triangles of the pre-holocaust days of Nazi Germany.

The various ribbons are a way to identify those who for now, are choosing to be identified.  It seems the day is coming, when the choice will be removed and the identification, assigned.  Since being gay is now a point of pride and the religious seem to be arguing amongst themselves, I'm not sure who will be wearing the signs, ribbons and badges of shame, but I have a few ideas.  There are actually businesses to make "cause ribbons."

As causes continue to be spotlighted, I can't help but wonder which one will be the one that rallies the greatest support against the social nemesis.  Although we rally for various causes, AGAINST something, as the momentum against continues to gain ground, the social nemesis that will get the majority of this country walking in lockstep, will have to have a face.  There's too much money in cancer treatment for research to ever bring a cure.  There is too much power in controlling the food supply for Big Ag to go away quietly.  I can't help but notice in all these "ribbon causes" the rainbow ribbon is gaining notice and momentum.

Will this be a part of the bigger agenda to rally the majority?  In all these "causes" have we noticed?  Natural health advocates, homesteaders, and Christian businesses seem to be the faces of what is deemed unacceptable for our society.

 But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of YHWH thy Elohim, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee:  Torah of Holy Scripture

Choices

I used to say, "I'm all about choice," until I found myself in a relationship with an individual who offers "no choice."  There are no words for the thoughts and feelings that slammed my brain like a tsunami, as that man would stand, half shrugging his shoulders, while saying, "What can I do?"  For some; choice seems to be just too much personal responsibility.  This has given me a great opportunity to think and observe what our society has lost because people no longer make choices, thus lack commitment.  It's as if we just go through life adding 10 or 20 percent of this or that to our already half full, half stacked wagon of baggage.  Relationships are based upon the acceptance of past baggage rather than building a future.  Of course, everyone has a past, but most folks now, drag it into their present.  I'm not talking about children from a previous relationship, most baggage draggers just use their kids as a cover to maintain control, or keep the drama stirred.   What I've noticed through a few generations now, of being all about choice, is the transition that has taken place, as each generation ricochets off the standard and example of the last one.  I still believe in choice, I'm just careful who I say it to!  My land radio show was entitled "Choose Life."

Some people take full responsibility for their choices, even for their not so responsible choices.  Many of the men of my father's generation made quite a comfortable living, acquired and amassed with a high school education, OJT, and determination toward their committed choices.  Regardless of how they came into adulthood, they made clear and concise choices to go forward, accomplish, acquire, and amass.  They made choices and they were committed to those choices.  When things didn't work out, they picked up the pieces and made the choice to rebuild.  Of course, there were exceptions, but that was the rule of the generation that arrived before WWII.  There are those who still make clear and concise choices and "pay the fiddler" as they go, but they are clearly no longer mainstream.  Our society no longer insists that anyone make clear choices, as a matter of fact, commitment to any long term choice usually now comes at a cost to the parents or society in general.

My generation, yes the boomers, we did a great deal to transition from the choice of lifelong commitment, to we'll see how this goes . . .  Our generation was the first to openly cohabitate, yet also caused the divorce rate to skyrocket.  Obviously that statistical equation has some unnamed variables!  For the most part, we had a little more education than high school and careers were extremely important, but we women followed the examples set years earlier by the "Rosie the Riveters" and made the choice to have it all.  Rosie the Riveters were married to men who were committed to them, feminists, unfortunately, were not!  Relationships failed and the men maintained their careers and their responsibilities, but most dragged their last relationship into the next relationship.  So, as men thought they could have a new start while still keeping an ex happy, the exes continued to dominate two households while moving on socially, and the new women determined careers and kids would come before men.   Although we may have grown up in secret dysfunction, the boomers openly made dysfunctional, the standard.  Choice was no longer applied to direction and building of acquiring and amassing, but rather to escape and "new" beginnings became mired with accumulated baggage.  Rather than making and sticking with a choice for life, choice became redefined to "finding ourselves."

While we boomers spent our twenties and part of our thirties, choosing to find ourselves, only to discover we weren't so thrilled with who we found ourselves to be, also discovered our kid's formative years were over.  In the starting over with accumulated baggage, our kids did seem to make one choice and that was to just start later . . . and of course, test the waters before even considering a commitment, if at all.  So many programs were afforded to single mothers going to school and live in boyfriends no longer interfered with state "benefits."  Marriage would only rob a young woman of assistance and a young man of, well . . .being a man.  Besides, a divorced baby boomer mom, usually had a basement to move back into, or a spare room.  So, a couple of babies later, no real commitment, a "place to come home," and life just expands and continues for everyone with no real choices being made.  Life just "happened" and babies just "came along."

Now, there is yet another generation.  Between ancestral guilt and nearly unlimited borrowing opportunities, this generation can have it all by their early twenties, with minimal accountability of reality.  Boys literally do not become men until, well until their mothers stop paying their bills and feeding them.  They do often, however; become fathers long before that.  Moms are so condoning and cool, girls no longer want their own space.  It seems the right of passage for young women these days is motherhood and the right to speak her mind.

Our society seems to have taken the centuries old approach of the family continuing to expand and work together, passing the torch of responsibility with the right of passage, to celebrating a failure to launch.  The right of passage to adulthood used to involve a conscious choice of commitment with no turning back and NO "Alternate Plan B."  Commitment or consequences used to follow choices.  Now, for the most part, our society seems to encourage the choice to not really build a future, but rather just exist, often dependent upon others.  Choices are still being made, but they are not choices of forward momentum and aspiration.  We are living longer and accomplishing less.  We are choosing stagnation, dependence and victimhood, rather than life!

I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy children may live:  Torah of Holy Scripture

What's Behind the Headlines?

As racial tension escalates, the flames of religious difference are becoming explosive, and the mentality of "them and us" is fed by the mainstream media, I find myself wondering what's really happening.  I am leaning toward watching the health situations that are barely receiving coverage.  Remember ebola?  Now the CDC has announced that this year's flu shot isn't going to be effective, but . . . there are prescriptions.   I'm also keeping an eye on the economy.  One party says it's really improved, while they fight for more and more benefits for the working poor.  The other party says it's not improved, so we need to make more cuts in programs that are already not helping enough people.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch . . . What happened to Clive Bundy?    Harry Reid said it wasn't over, and although he's no longer the loudest, most powerful voice in the Senate, none of us really expect much change.   The circumstances in the Middle East continue to escalate, while Protestants seem to be heading to the Vatican.  I've watched many folks change position regarding the religious wars.  For this reporter, the bottom line is simple.  There are bad people involved in every religion.  I stand in agreement with Israel, even though I do not agree with the Chabad or Zionists.  I do not and cannot support the tenets of faith when it comes to Islam, nor do I embrace the teachings of the Vatican.

Shutting down the independents seems to be a major goal, here in America.  This goal seems to target a variety of independents from a variety of directions, be it ranchers, a bridal shop owner who had a thoughtless client, Christian bakers, organic farmers, and hobby farmers, to name only a few.  As I watched the reactions to grand jury decisions regarding racially charged headlines, I can't help but notice the businesses that were destroyed in the rioting didn't have a thing to do with the issue, and some of them were owned by individuals of color.  What did that accomplish?  Other than to further divide and cause independent business owners to lose business.  What mom and pop businesses, Wal-Mart hasn't shuttered, the choreographed problems, and programmed agenda will.  Without a doubt, illegal immigrants replacing citizens in the military will make Martial Law a much greater arm of power.  US Citizens would have greater difficulty firing on their fellow citizens, or taking them captive; whereas foreigners probably won't give it a second thought.

At last count, there were 1400 US citizens being monitored for ebola symptoms.  The sunshine state as well as Arizona have changed "their" mind about solar power and it's rumored some folks who have invested, could actually be fined.  Some states are already fining and worse, those who dare catch rainwater.   Obviously, the loss of independence is a major goal in bringing the NWO.  The filtering information is now also a glaring fact.  We simply cannot forget that freedom is not granted by the government, but rather is a gift from our Creator.

You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.  New Testament    

The Court of Public Opinion

Justice has become little more than headlines.  We simply do not know, and many do not care, what the truth actually is.  In the special edition of the Goshen Gazette, remembering the assassination of President Kennedy, a somber fact persists all these years later.  A great many people simply aren't sure we believe the official record.  Lee Harvey Oswald was literally tried, judged, and executed in "the court of public opinion" in less than 48 hours.  Although, only one man pulled the trigger in that Dallas Police Department taking, Oswald's life, that was basically the end of the investigation.  There was no jury, no trial, and no official judgment; but a simple presumption of guilt and the case was closed by the verdict of Warren Commission.

By the time O. J. Simpson was standing trial for a double murder, courtroom drama was already a part of television programming.  Considering O.J. had been big in sports, even movies and advertising, it seemed almost "natural" that his trial would be televised.  What we seemed to overlook in the publicity of this televised trial is the fact that the public had already determined his guilt or innocence, based not upon facts and evidence, but rather race and fame.  I didn't want O.J. to have committed that horrendous act.  I wanted justice, not legal technicalities.  I remembered having such a schoolgirl crush on the Heisman trophy winner back in 1968.  I wanted to believe that O.J. was simply incapable of doing such a thing.  Although he was acquitted, there was still much more than a lingering doubt in regard to his innocence, but he also had been tried by the court of public opinion.

Scott Peterson was clearly tried by the court of public opinion, in that there was a movie made about the case before he even went to trial.  I do have many doubts about this conviction, right down to the fact Laci's disappearance made national news within hours.  A woman presumedly takes her dog for a walk while her husband is fishing, and she's not home when he gets back.  Within just a few hours, a police report is made, the search is organized, and by morning, it's national news.  There's no argument that Scott Peterson is a cad.  He's an adulterous jerk, but that doesn't necessarily make him a murderer.  I've always had a few questions about the massage therapist.  As a former funeral director who worked with several county coroners, the condition and separation of the bodies seemed questionable. Sentencing a man to death, based upon circumstantial evidence seems presumptuous and irresponsible.  The only "evidence" was a single strand of hair thought to be Laci's, in a pair of pliers on Scott's boat.  As a woman with long hair, strands of hair can appear in many unlikely places.  I certainly do not view Scott Peterson as a truthful human being of integrity, it's just hard to believe someone could commit a murder and leave absolutely no evidence, whatsoever.  

Moving on to a more recent event, this past week the grand jury determined there was not enough evidence to bring charges against Officer Darren Wilson in the death of Michael Brown.  This situation was not only racially, but very, very politically divided and basically appeared to be orchestrated to ramp up tension and deeply divide the people.  There have been many incidents of police brutality, but the man had just stolen merchandise and had gotten a bit physical with the clerk, so there were enough variables to sort through without the racial issue and certainly without the Washington politicians getting involved.  It would appear to this journalist that the powers that be do recognize much is determined by the court of public opinion, and this is one more way to further divide the people.

But YHWH said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for YHWH seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but YHWH looketh on the heart.  History of Holy Scripture

Business As Usual

In driving through the nearest town this past week, I couldn't help but notice the vacant storefronts and for sale signs.  The appearance of "business as usual" is still present, but the reality is a much different perspective.  I remember watching the town near the first homestead, die under the DREAM initiative, and now, a six year history here with a gradual slow decline of this smaller town.  The first town is struggling so much, the Chinese buffets and Mexican restaurants are closing.  The square appears to be at about half capacity for businesses, with many of them being offices rather than retail.  I've spoken with men who began their businesses forty or more years ago, and they resignedly shake their head as they tell me, their hopes of children inheriting their business are simply gone.  When they retire, the business will simply be sold or shuttered.  These men did, however; provide well for their families and employment in the community at one time, but there is no longer a future for local, independent family owned business in America.

The change has been so gradual, we apparently didn't realize what was actually happening.  As a very small child, I remember the downtowns were thriving.  My grandma referred to the main retail business street as "The Avenue."  I was still a child when the malls were built.  I didn't notice at the time, we stopped going to The Avenue as much, and since we lived in the country, our small town "down town" became just a pit stop for odds and ends.  Major shopping was done in the city . . . at the mall.  I'm not really much of a shopper, so I failed to realize the malls were declining until we were shopping for rings at the beginning of this new millenium.  So many places in the mall were vacant, and there were recliners in the middle for the walkers to gather and take a break!  It then dawned upon me that mini-malls had become the convenient trend for stylish retail, and Wal-Mart Supercenters for economical shopping.

In relocation through the summer of 2005, I spent a quite a bit of time on the road, seeing a great deal of road construction.  In all the highway construction, looming in the background were shuttered malls and dormant businesses.  So many businesses were already gone, so many buildings standing vacant, while the plan seemed to already be in place, to divert access to the businesses that were left.  Independence was foundational in the building of America, or so we've been told.  As the years have continued many local independents did not withstand the great recession, which I have termed "the great repression."  These independent business people didn't receive any bailouts.  As the news has reported recovery, I simply do not see it.  Of course, there were jobs created for a time, such as more highway construction and signs, but the only promise that appears to have been created to be lasting is the loss of independent business on the American landscape.

While this economic collapse has been gradual and seemingly isolated, it has spread and continues to spread.  Detroit didn't come back.  Ohio's unemployment rate is still staggering.  The statistics are terribly skewed when it comes to those actively seeking employment and those who have simply given up and sought assistance or taken early retirement.  There are ads everywhere to apply for disability.  Our nation isn't building business and this country is not making products.

The primary employers in this country are government, health care, and Wal-Mart.  Wal-Mart has replaced General Motors as a primary employer.  I was married to a General Motors employee several years ago and I remember our standard of living.  Wal-Mart does not offer that same opportunity to the majority of it's employees.  There is much busy-ness and great chasing, but a drive down main street USA gives clear indication the American standard is far from business as usual.

But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.  prophecy of Holy Scripture  



              

Defining Prejudice

Prejudice can be observed in our politics, in our justice system, in our individual choices and comments.  Prejudice is not simply a "black and white" issue and it certainly isn't a one way street.   Sadly, it is defined so fluidly, there really is no place to begin or end.  Prejudice is simply a matter of what has been taught to the human heart.  When it comes to race, we know babies see color, but simply do not care.  Skin tone is not what young children base their perspective upon, until they are taught to.  Babies do not care what color their caretaker is, as long as they are kept comfortable and feel safe.  Children in groups, just enjoy playing.  Fun is not determined by color, but by activity and social interaction.  The atmosphere of the culture in which a child spends their formative years determines their views of the world around them, with only one of those factors being race.

While so many parents are leaving the raising of their children to the system, "stranger danger" is taught very early.  Statistically, more children are abused by someone they know and trust, but fear of strangers becomes imbedded.  In many cases, the term stranger becomes further defined as "anyone different."  Different can then be racial, cultural, religious, political, or even geographical . . . I'm not suggesting we embrace every difference, and I certainly do not advocate the politically correct concept of "coexist" with the unity that is suggested by the UN and the Vatican.  Differences should be recognized and in many cases, there is cause for alarm.  The alarm, however; should not be based on skin tone, but rather ideology.  Sadly, our political and judicial system are leading much of our society to divide and most of the sheople are following.

As a rule, I like folks of all colors and background, but I draw the line at arrogance and bigotry, which comes in all colors.  I simply do not enjoy people who think too highly of themselves and I really prefer to avoid those who put others down.  I don't like name calling and have a particular pet peeve about folks who change a name or term slightly to make fun of someone.   It's big in talk radio and I find it very annoying, but based upon the popularity, must openly admit, it is apparently my personal problem, so I deal with it.  We can't make everyone accommodate and work around our personal quirks.  Yet it seems, the various minorities do that.  Our society continues to become more fractured as each special interest group desperately seeks a way to be a slighted minority or a humble grassroots movement.

A frightening issue is looming in my home state.  The prejudice is so extreme, it exceeds the desire for truth. The issue is no longer about right or wrong, or community, but simply the "them vs. us" ideology.  Sadly, two of the biggest issues our country now faces, are factors in the situation in Ferguson.  There is much distrust between the citizens and law enforcement.  To intensify that problem, the officer is white and the suspect black.  To that already shaky situation, add Al Sharpton and three White House officials.  It's as if, anarchy is the goal!  If the officer had been black, or the suspect, white, it wouldn't have even made the headlines outside the local area.  That can be verified in the fact that a non white officer shot a young unarmed white man within days of the incident in Ferguson, resulting in very different responses.  A white man was shot by a non-white police officer in Utah, but no one is crying for charges to be filed.

If the leadership and talking heads can continue to keep us divided and fearful, prejudice will increase.  Blacks hating whites is just as racist, as white bigotry.  It's time we the people stop fighting amongst ourselves and take exception with those who are feeding the fear and sowing the strife.  I've already made the joke after listening to so many democratic voices play the race card when some disagrees with the policies of the current administration.  "When the "other party" nominates a candidate of color in this next presidential campaign, they'll be holding the race card!  What will Oprah say when the "old white people" who haven't died, vote for someone like Ben Carson or Alan West?

In all the problems facing America, it seems like skin tone should be way down on the list.  I'm tired of the black and white issue, while the rainbow has been stolen by an agenda seeking to devour our children.  I'm tired of the pretend persecution of a manufactured war over a holiday, when real persecution is already taking place and heading our way.  I'm also extremely tired of the red conservatives vs. blue liberals, when it's incredibly obvious party politicians of both sides are working toward the same end:  control!  Reverse racism and political prejudice are simply choreographed to keep the people divided and ultimately enslaved!

. . . for YHWH seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but YHWH looketh on the heart.  History of Holy Scripture

 


 

And the Beat Goes On . . .

I think I understand and recognize a pattern, here.  When a president is elected, the first four years are spent, claiming to be cleaning up the last guy's mess.  If he is convincing enough, or the economy is good enough or the anger at "them," whoever "they" are, is strong enough, he is elected to a second term.

The second term seems to amount to two years of a choreographed effort by politicians and media to firmly divide the people for the midterm election, usually with some sort of major issue.  Sadly, in this administration it was the death of four Americans in Libya.  This one was particularly horrible as usually, the scandals don't involve the loss of life.  So the first two years of the second term amount to two years of "frustration" waiting for the midterm election to change majority with a scandal, that the media can really sink their teeth into.  Think Watergate, Iran Contra, or Monica . . .  Bush 43 has his own paragraph.

Then the midterm election through the president's second term guarantees lameduck and gridlock, with everyone talking about working together . . . "talking" being the operative.  When the president is in his second term, the rumbles of the next presidential campaign begin the the day after the midterm.  Presidential campaigns now last nearly 2 years.  Since it's gridlock, half of the Senate can be on the campaign trail . . . If I remember correctly, 10 Senators were running in the primaries in '07 - '08.

As for the second term of Bush 43.  He had so much going on most of the time, that he didn't really need a specific scandal, and it wasn't until after the midterm election of his second term that most of America realized the economic calamity that was already occurring.  With the war in Iraq still so new, re-election in 2004, especially against Kerry or Edwards seemed pretty simple.  The democrats simply had no worthy opponent against Bush in '04.  Six years of controversy still brought about the usual midterm party majority switch, lameduck, and gridlock.  Then for real hope and change to be ushered in, we had economic collapse with loss in housing values and the auto industry . . .

The last two presidential campaigns have seemed quite orchestrated.  The republicans chose, both times, to run a candidate that their own party had rejected in an earlier primary.  John McCain lost to G.W. in 2000 and Romney lost to John McCain in 2008.  The intention to give Obama no competition was obvious.  While Obama is changing the landscape of America from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, the business background is undoubtedly changing with the other party in the private sector.  The elected officials are just doing what the highest bidder tells them to do.

When it's said and done, the pattern has been pretty much the same in over 50 years of American politics, and very consistent in the last 20 some.  I'm not suggesting that everyone should stop voting, I'm just saying I see no real change of direction, regardless of the vote.  Rearrange the deck chairs on the sinking ship while hoping a new captain will magically change the fact the ship is taking on water and sinking, doesn't seem to be working.  Unlike sea captains, America's politically elite don't go down with the ship.

. . . and thou shalt not prosper in thy ways: and thou shalt be only oppressed and spoiled evermore, and no man shall save thee.  Torah of Holy Scripture

Weighing the Evidence

Kaci Hickox is certainly receiving her 15 minutes of fame, isn't she!  I didn't realize I could have any less respect for America's political health care system, but as it turns out, I do.  In watching her interview, I can honestly say, I wouldn't want her to take care of my dog.  I was completely unimpressed by her statement.  The idea of going to another continent to take care of people sounds like such an heroic humanitarian effort, and for many, I'm sure it is.  I don't understand though, if she's truly the heroic humanitarian that she is presented to be, why would a three week vacation with reading material, wifi, and menu options be so horrible?  I don't place nurses high on my trust list, anyway; but this truly should shake the faith of many.  I know there are many well intentioned caregivers in the system, but I also know there are many in health care for the money and control.

Health care can hold any patient for several reasons, remove children from their parent's custody, and ruin lives based upon subjective whims and unquestioned authority.  There are already in place enough state health care regulation to keep the average John Q. Public against his will, for general observation.  HIPAA laws prevent family and friends from gaining information, so realistically a person could be held and that information not released.  I'd also include a Scriptural reference from Matthew 10, in which some of us may actually face quarantine or being held, and family will jump right in to support the captivity.  Be aware of the facts of your state and whom you trust with your information.  Be it health care worker, law enforcement, or family, we need to know whom we can trust, and whom we cannot.  Most of us won't have the political power Kacy Hickox has enjoyed.  When it comes to the powers that be, whether it's police, health care, or lawyers, "they" do take care of "their own."

I've referred to this nurse as irresponsible, selfish, and agreed with a number of negative comments that have been made regarding her refusal to be quarantined for 21 days after caring for ebola patients.  Through her "press conference" someone mentioned that her roommate in West Africa has been diagnosed with ebola, to which she said that was errant information and she didn't want to take the focus off of her, I mean, "the court's decision."  Even NASA astronauts enter a time of seclusion after reentering and landing.  Obviously there is a vast difference in discipline and integrity between astronauts and health care workers, but I digress . . .

Perhaps this nurse doesn't need quarantine or seclusion.  I truly hope she is not sick.  Perhaps this nurse, as an employee or agent of the CDC, knows she doesn't have ebola because she knows exactly how this deadly disease is contracted.  The cynic in me has surfaced though, and I'm truly wondering if she's really been anywhere taking care of anyone.  This could be a great false flag!

. . . and be sure your sin will find you out.  Torah of Holy Scripture